Articles

Mid-Year Reset: 5 Smart Moves to Strengthen Your Small Business  The year’s midpoint is your wake-up call—refocus now to finish strong. Scrutinize your numbers to find what’s working (and what’s not). Reboot your marketing before seasonal shifts hit. Remove workflow roadblocks to boost team output. Reconnect with your business’s core purpose. 597 Words ~ 3…

When Strategy Stalls: 4 Moves to Regain Momentum Pause to Stabilize: Cut costs and renegotiate to create breathing room. Pivot, Don’t Panic: Explore new markets or customer segments while staying agile. Learn Fast or Fall Behind: Turn setbacks into insights through rapid experimentation. Guard the Downside: Hedge risks and protect what matters most. 600 words…

How often should I give my website a new look? If your website analytics have been stagnant for a while, you may be wondering what you can do to boost your traffic. Is it time to give your website a new look? We believe in supporting local businesses, so we’ve put some thought into the…

Reasons Why Small Businesses Fail and How to Avoid Them Source: CO by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Starting a small business takes patience, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. Launching a new venture is difficult: Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that nearly half of all startups fail within the first five years.…

Winning Back Lost Customers: Smart Strategies to Reignite Trust and Revenue Reacquiring a customer is up to 5x cheaper than landing a new one. Personalized communication and data-driven offers rebuild loyalty. Solving past issues signals integrity and earns second chances. Consistent follow-ups turn past silence into renewed revenue. A structured win-back strategy boosts long-term retention…

Last Week in the Legislature ~ 5.14.25 It was a busy week at the Capitol, with both the House and Senate in town for legislative session. Lawmakers advanced a wide range of proposals with significant implications for Pennsylvania employers — from major changes to employment law and benefits programs to sweeping new mandates and regulatory…

Pennsylvania Primary Election is May 20 The 2025 PA Primary election is less than one week away, and this message is your friendly reminder and guide for finding resources. Primary Elections in PA In a primary election, Democrat and Republican voters select the candidates that they want to represent their parties during the November general…

Why Your Team Isn’t Getting It (Even When You Think You’re Crystal Clear) Many leaders mistake communication for clarity—assuming once it’s said, it’s understood. Misalignment often stems from inconsistent messaging, assumptions, and cultural “static.” True clarity requires shared understanding, structured communication, and leadership presence. Clear communication systems—not just repeated messages—drive alignment and trust.  615 words…

The High Cost of Early Childhood Education Chris Berleth, President The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce At 4:45 am this morning, as I left home to head to the Capitol, with my kids still sleeping soundly (thankfully), and my wife starting to stir, no doubt at the smell of coffee. She’d be out the door…

The Senioritis Solution: Co-op Cures Columbia Montour County By: Amber Hughes, Intern of Communications and Marketing at the Chamber  As someone who participated in a Co-op program during high school, I can personally attest to the value of these experiences. Through my own Co-op placement, I gained professional skills, built connections with mentors, and acquired…